The Basics of Natural Conditioner

When you use shampoo, you are cleansing your scalp and hair. In the process, you open the outer cuticle layer of the hair shaft. For those with short or fine hair, leaving the cuticle open is not a problem, as this will give more volume. However, for most of us, our hair needs a good natural conditioner to follow on from the shampoo, to keep it soft and smooth.

Why Use Natural Conditioner?

Conditioning your hair with organic products will give you superior strength, softness and shine. Many natural products use essential oils, which nourish and balance the scalp, and help to prevent hair fall. Essential oils also work to brighten the hair and prevent an oily or flaky scalp.

While the cuticle is open, one can deeply nourish the hair and close the cuticle layer. The main purpose of conditioners is to close the cuticle layer again, protecting the shaft, allowing for easier detangling when wet and more shine and nourishment when dry.   

With this in mind, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products are not the best option for your hair and scalp. They are a contradiction – how can one product open and close the hair’s cuticle?

The Benefits & Properties of Conditioner

Whether fine or thick, wavy or straight – we all need to hydrate the hair and scalp from time to time as well as strengthen the internal structure.  

The purpose of conditioners or intensive nourishing treatments is to improve the following:   

• Elasticity: This is the strength of the hair and how much tension can be applied. The more damaged the hair, the worse the elasticity. A strengthening conditioner is ideal for regular use.
• Porosity: This is the ability of the hair to hold and release water. The more porous the hair is, the quicker it will dry and the less it will hold water or colour and tend to be dry. Use a deeply moisturising conditioner for dry hair.
• Sealing the cuticle layer: The closer the cuticle layer is to the hair shaft, the shinier and silkier the hair will be. The lower the pH of the conditioner the more effective it will be in closing the cuticle. Use a softening conditioner that’a designed to balance moisture levels.

Conventional conditioners often weigh the hair down and leave it looking greasy. Natural conditioners don’t leave behind any oily, heavy residue or build-up.

Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash